Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Illinois P Blake Hayes to use NIL opportunity to support great cause

Rolando Rosa

By Rolando Rosa

Published:

The new NIL rules are opening up many lucrative deals for college athletes but it’s also creating pathways to give back to worthy causes.

Illinois punter Blake Hayes is partnering with the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation for a special initiative this season.

Every punt by Hayes that lands inside the 20-yard line will result in him donating $15 dollars to help fight pediatric brain cancer.

This is a such a thoughtful gesture and use of his platform by Hayes.

In his first four seasons at Illinois, Hayes has punted 258 times for an average of 43.4 yards. Hayes’ career long punt was a 70-yarder during the 2019 season.

Illinois kicks off the season on Aug. 28 with a home matchup vs. Nebraska (1 p.m. EST/FOX).

Rolando Rosa

Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.